The Communications Director of the Greater Accra branch of the main opposition New Patriotic Party, Mike Ampong says his party’s General Secretary, Kwadwo Owusu Afriyie, must seek re-election on merit rather than peddle influence from the party’s 2012 flagbearer.

Mr. Owusu Afriyie, popularly known as Sir John, recently sparked a debate within the party when he announced on radio that Nana Akufo-Addo would contest as flagbearer for the NPP for the third consecutive time in 2016.

The debate has once again brought up the issue of factionalism within the party.

Mr. Ampong suspects Sir John wants to ride on Nana Akufo-Addo’s popularity to secure another term in office as General Secretary.

Speaking on the XYZ Breakfast Show with host Moro Awudu Thursday, Mr. Ampong said the current crop of national leaders of the NPP must not be defensive when being criticized just as they also criticized other leaders in the past.

“What I am saying is nobody should try and exploit Nana Addo’s popularity and sympathy to entrench yourself (Sir John) in office.

“I don’t have a problem if he (Sir John) gets eight years…I am saying that come on your own merit and capability,” Mr. Ampong said.